Housing Choice Voucher

What is the Housing Choice Voucher?

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) is the federal government's major program to assist families and individuals in finding decent, safe, and affordable housing in the private sector. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. Click here to learn more.

The City of Dubuque Housing and Community Development Department has 1,072 vouchers to assist very low-income families and individuals.

Eligibility and Application

Eligible applicants are in the very low-income (50%) bracket according to the guidelines set forth by the federal government. Click here to see the current income guidelines. Applicants must also be 18 years of age, and will be screened according to the City of Dubuque admissions policy to determine final eligibility at time of voucher issuance.

Waiting List

When an Housing Choice Voucher application is accepted, applicants will be placed on a waiting list based on a lottery system. The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is currently closed.

Address Changes

All address and phone number changes must be made in writing, unless a person is unable to do so due to a disability, in which case, you may submit changes orally by contacting our office. You may email, fax (563-589-4244), mail or drop off these changes to our office located at 350 W. 6th Street, Suite 312, Dubuque, IA 52001.

NotificationsNotice will be mailed to the applicant when your name reaches the top of the waiting list. It is very important that addresses be kept up to date in order to receive all mailings.

Voucher Payment Standards, Exception Rents and Available Units

Voucher Payment Standards are the top subsidy limits set that the Housing Authority can pay on a certain size of unit. Because rent is a little more expensive in some areas of town, we can pay a higher subsidy in certain places, these are called Exception Rents. Click here to see the current Voucher Payment Standards and for information on Exception Rents.

Click here to see a list of available rental units. Voucher holders are not limited to choosing a unit from this list; it is provided as a courtesy to tenants and landlords. This list is updated every Tuesday.

Additional Resources Iowa Housing Search is a free resource to help you find a rental home that fits your needs and budget.